Republic of Cyprus Police have denied reports that Turkish Cypriots are being barred from entering government-controlled areas unless they present a Republic of Cyprus or European Union identity card.
The police told Philenews that crossings remain open to all Turkish Cypriots but confirmed that new systems at checkpoints have changed the procedures. “What has changed is the recommendation to Turkish Cypriots who hold Republic of Cyprus or EU documents to use them in order to facilitate their crossing,” an official said.
Authorities explained that the adjustment relates to Cyprus’s preparations for joining the Schengen zone. Updated systems have been installed at all entry points to speed up checks, but only Republic of Cyprus and EU identity cards can be scanned automatically.
For those presenting documents issued by the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, which are not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus, checks must be processed manually. Police said this causes delays but stressed that no one is being refused entry. “The procedure now requires more time than before because their details are not recorded in the new system and must be entered manually,” the official said.
Turkish Cypriot media reported that an association representing Turkish Cypriots working in Republic-controlled areas claimed the new practice had taken effect on 25 August, alleging that people carrying only documents from the occupied north were prevented from crossing.
Republic of Cyprus authorities rejected this, insisting that all Turkish Cypriots continue to be allowed to cross but that the process is slower for those without Republic of Cyprus or EU documents.
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